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Despite their current form, Manchester United have found a forever place in the history books. The Red Devils are regarded as one of the most successful and revered teams in the history of club football.
After being founded in 1878, the Old Trafford natives touched the sky under their legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson's reign. Ferguson took the mantle in 1986 and remained at the helm until 2013.
During his stint, the Scottish boss helped United bag 38 major trophies. His success was directly related to his tactics, experience and most importantly, signings. He built a squad that combined youngsters and the experienced.
A group of lethal youngsters that went by the name "Fergies' Fledglings" remained an asset for the club for a long time. On that note, let's take a look at five youngest debutants in United's history:
Source: Transfermarkt
#5 Sammy McIlroy — 17 years, 3 months, 4 days
Sammy McIlroy has a place for himself in the history of the Red Devils for various reasons. To begin with, he was the iconic Sir Matt Busby's last signing. McIlroy joined United at the tender age of 17 and marked his debut on 6th November 1971.
The Northern Irish player marked his debut against their age-old rivals Manchester City. However, when the whistle blew, McIlroy had all eyes on him with one goal and two assists.
Mcllroy left the club in 1982 to join Stoke City.
#4 Ryan Giggs — 17 years, 3 months, 1 day
Ryan Giggs is probably one of the top names that comes to mind when one hears "Manchester United". The Welsh international started and ended his professional career with just one club, i.e., United!
Giggs signed the pro-contract with united on 29th November 1990, the very day he turned 17! The youngster was the answer to Sir Alex's left winger problems. Over the course of years, Giggs evolved into a great player, leader and a respected individual among the fans and in the dressing room.
His contribution towards guiding and leading other youngsters within the club known as "Fergie's Fledglings" was massive. Giggs was the first of many United's academy players to break into the senior team.
His maturity, at such a young age, benefitted the club on greater levels.
#3 Shola Shoretire — 17 years, 19 days
Shola Shoretire was born in 2004 and has been a crucial part of Manchester United's youth setup since he was a boy. Shoretire became the youngest-ever player to feature in a UEFA Youth League game in 2018.
Growing through the ranks of the club, Shoretire seems to be impressing his scouts from day 1. After displaying a spectacular performance against Blackburn Rovers, where he scored a hat-trick, Shoretire was called up to the senior side.
He stepped onto the turf as Manchester United's senior player on 21st February 2021 against Newcastle United in the Premier League. He made two more appearances for the Manchester United senior team and is now back in the junior side.
Given the kind of potential that he possesses, we can be certain that Shoretire will have a permanent place in the Red Devils squad in the near future.
#2 Willie Anderson — 16 years, 11 months, 4 days
Willie Anderson is known for his lengthy tenures at Aston Villa, Portland Timbers and Cardiff City. However, he is also remembered for being the second-youngest player ever to play for Manchester United.
Anderson shone like a diamond during his boyhood days at the Manchester academy. His expertise and mature style of play earned him a call-up to the senior side. Unfortunately, Anderson failed to emulate the same form in the senior team.
The same could be related to the emergence of George Best. The Liverpool-born winger was eventually offloaded to Aston Villa where he remained for six seasons. Anderson played just nine league games for Manchester United despite being lauded as one of the best future prospects.
Interestingly, Anderson signed for United despite wanting to play for his favorite club Liverpool. He accepted the Manchester contract as he feared Liverpool might not be interested in him. However, years later it was revealed that the Reds were all set to sign him if he had turned down United's contract.
Should he have joined Liverpool, Anderson would not have faced a threat from Best and could've potentially been one of the best players around.
#1 Angel Gomes — 16 years, 8 months, 20 days
Angel Gomes is another Manchester United youngster who made his way to the top after ascending through the ranks. Gomes graduated from Manchester United's academy as a scholar with a bagful of records and accolades.
He often trained with the senior team and eventually featured as a late substitute for United's Premier League game against Crystal Palace. By doing so, Gomes became the youngest player to feature for Manchester United in their history.
He moved to Lille in order to find regular playing opportunities.
